Bus Driver Salaries in Georgia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Bus Drivers in Georgia earn an average of $37,510 per year ($18.03/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 16,350 bus drivers.
Bus Driver salaries in Georgia are below the national average by approximately $8,077. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Georgia's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for bus drivers.
Georgia Bus Driver Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Georgia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Georgia Bus Driver Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Georgia median of $37,510.
Bus Driver Salary by Experience — Georgia
Bus Driver Salary Trend in Georgia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for bus drivers in Georgia: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Georgia's public transit and school transport.
Bus Driver Salary by City — Georgia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $41,650 | $20.02 | +11.0% | 5,722 |
| Savannah | $39,750 | $19.11 | +6.0% | 4,578 |
| Augusta | $38,650 | $18.58 | +3.0% | 2,943 |
| Columbus | $36,000 | $17.31 | -4.0% | 1,471 |
| Macon | $34,150 | $16.42 | -9.0% | 981 |
| Athens | $32,650 | $15.70 | -13.0% | 654 |
Tip: Atlanta offers the highest bus driver salaries in Georgia at $41,650/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Georgia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Georgia sits in the mid-range for bus drivers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Bus Driver Job Outlook in Georgia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for bus drivers in Georgia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Georgia job market. Georgia's expanding economy supports a healthy job market for bus drivers.
How to Earn More as a Bus Driver in Georgia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bus driver in Georgia typically adds $30,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State DMV — CDL Licence can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Atlanta pays bus drivers $41,650/yr — +11.0% above the Georgia average. Simply relocating within Georgia can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bus Drivers who specialise in public transit and school transport typically command premium rates in Georgia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Florida pays bus drivers $39,170/yr — 4.4% vs Georgia.
Find Bus Driver Jobs in Georgia
Live ListingsSearch current bus driver job vacancies in Georgia:
🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Georgia — Indeed→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs in Georgia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Bus Driver jobs — Atlanta, GA→